Celebrating 30 years.
In 1983, Audi introduced a new model at the IAA that would forever change the German automaker – the Audi Sport Quattro. The Quattro was a homologation special that was meant for the World Rally Championship and quickly made a name for itself with Walter Röhrl behind the wheel racking up win after win. The Sport Quattro had a 306 horsepower turbo-five, advanced technology, and that game-changing, legendary Quattro all-wheel drive.
Thirty years later, Audi is back in Frankfurt at the International Motor Show (IAA) and showcasing their latest version of the historic model – the Audi Sport Quattro Concept.
The new Audi Sport Quattro Concept is a modern interpretation of the classic Sport Quattro that changed the course of history for the German automaker. It features an all-new high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain with classic styling cues and a new design direction for Audi.
The Audi Sport Quattro Concept is also one of the most powerful models to wear the four rings. The new 4.0 TFSI twin-turbocharged V-8 engine provides the main thrust of 560 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque with Cylinder On Demand (COD) cylinder deactivation for better fuel mileage. Paired up with the engine is a disc-shaped electric motor situated between the 4.0 TFSI and the modified eight-speed tiptronic gearbox that produces a maximum of 110 kW and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Power is drawn from a 14.1 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery located at the rear of the Audi Sport Quattro Concept and can be charged using an Audi wall box with intelligent charge management.
Three driving modes allow for either extreme performance or completely green travel. The EV mode allows the Audi Sport Quattro Concept to drive up to 31.07 miles (50 km) without using a single drop of fuel. Hybrid mode combines the power of the 4.0 TFSI engine and electric motor to achieve maximum efficiency and even uses navigation to optimize the route for minimum fuel consumption. In Sport mode, the Sport Quattro is programmed for performance. The 4.0 TFSI engine is supported by the electric motor for a total combined output up to 700 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. of torque and incorporates an electronic boost system.
In Sport mode, the Audi Sport Quattro is capable of accelerating 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). Power is sent through an advanced Quattro all-wheel drive system with a sport differential at the rear axle. The Concept show car is capable of achieving up to 94.09 US MPG combined and 94.95 g/mile of carbon dioxide emissions.
Even though the new Audi Sport Quattro Concept does not have the iconic turbocharged inline-five cylinder engine that was first used in the original model, it has classic styling that will instantly bring back memories of the iconic Sport Quattro. It also borrows ideas and cues from the Quattro concept shown three years ago, while showing what the future holds for the German brand.
The new concept car is low, wide, has short overhangs, and superb proportions that give it an intense and aggressive presence on the road. The car clearly is from the Sport Quattro family and designed with the ‘spirit of racing’ where form follows function.
The front of the Audi Sport Quattro Concept features rectangular double headlights with Audi’s Matrix LED technology that incorporates the wrap-around daytime running lights and central low beam units. The Matrix LED technology uses a number of diodes, lenses, and reflectors, and can be activated, deactivated, or dimmed depending on the situation. Both headlights have no fascia and exposed heat sinks to give the model a menacing pair of eyes. The taillights also use minimal amount of glass and conform to the curved styling cue of the rear fascia.
The front fascia is comprised of a new hexagonal single-frame grille with sculpted insert, flanked by two large lower grille air intakes with dual vertical blades to emphasize width and power. The new grille showcases the future design direction of the German automaker and will trickle down into future production cars. A full CFRP splitter is worn beneath the grille to improve downforce and reduce lift.
The Audi Sport Quattro Concept features the iconic shapes and design cues as its predecessors. The greenhouse is flat and the shoulders are broad. The front and rear fenders feature the classic squared-off shape of the original models, but incorporate curvaceous lines that emphasize speed and power. Each of the extended fenders is made from lightweight CFRP and house 21-inch center-locking, five twin-spoke wheels with 285/30 R21 tires, pointing to the car’s racing heritage. Special “blisters” are worn right above the fenders to further accentuate the athletic character of the Sport Quattro. Power door handles sit flush with the body and extend outwards automatically.
At the rear of the new concept, the muscular fenders meet the flat greenhouse to produce a powerful visual that flows into a spoiler. A black CFRP rectangular fascia incorporates the two taillights and is a modern interpretation of the classic models. The Audi Sport Quattro Concept also wears a CFRP diffuser with dual oval tailpipes.
The body and chassis were all designed with performance in mind. The Audi Sport Quattro Concept features ultra high-strength steel and cast aluminum structural elements for the cockpit. The door and fenders boast an aluminum construction while the roof, hood, and trunk are made from lightweight CFRP bringing the overall weight down to an impressive 4,078.55 lbs. To ensure the concept had superb handling characteristics, the front suspension utilizes five control arms per wheel while the rear follows Audi’s trapezoidal link principle, and tuned springs and dampers ensure maximum grip. Fade-resistant carbon fiber ceramic brake discs are grabbed by powerful calipers for minimal stopping distance.
Inside, the Audi Sport Quattro Concept is designed with racing in mind. Designers employed minimalistic principles that are focused on the driver. The dark grey and black cockpit features a slim dashboard modeled after the wing of a sailplane and a carbon fiber support shell that is visible in specific areas of the cabin. Facing the driver is a heads-up display, sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, and digital instrument cluster that can be programmed to display a number of variables including track layouts and stopwatch.
The interior of the Audi Sport Quattro accommodates up to four passengers. The front two are seated in supportive bucket seats that fold down to allow for entry into the rear. A special cross-brace is utilized behind the rear passengers to improve rigidity. An all-new air conditioning system is used for the first time and is integrated directly into the air vents. The system allows users to alter the temperature, intensity, and air flow using a single controller.
The new Audi Sport Quattro Concept will make its global debut at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt, Germany later this month. The new concept car will likely be produced in the next few years by Audi and many of its design features will be utilized in future Audi models.
Audi Sport Quattro Concept Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 560 / 412 kW
Maximum Torque: 516.29 lb-ft. / 700 Nm
Electric Motor Power Output: 110 kW
Electric Motor Torque Output: 295.02 lb-ft. / 400 Nm
Combined Gasoline and Electric Power Output: 700 hp / 515 kW
Combined Gasoline and Electric Torque Output: 590.05 lb-ft. / 800 Nm
Fuel Economy: 94.09 US MPG / 2.5 liters per 100 km
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 94.95 g/mile
Transmission:
Type: Eight-speed Tiptronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel with rear sport differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds
Top Speed: 189.52 mph (305 km/h)
Electric-Only Range: 31.07 miles / 50 km
Audi Sport Quattro Concept Gallery
Source: Audi
Should the new Audi Sport Quattro Concept enter production?
